Public Forum on Asheville Water System

13 Feb 2012

The Asheville-Buncombe County League of Women Voters announced today that it will hold a public forum in February to discuss the future of Asheville’s water system. The forum will be held Monday, Feb. 13 from 7-9 p.m. at Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church at 789 Merrimon Avenue in Asheville; parking is available in the church parking lot on Gracelyn Road. From 6:30 to 7 p.m., those attending will have an opportunity to view informational materials and meet individually with some of the panelists and resource persons.
The purpose of the forum is to provide the public with reliable, factual information about the water system, its history, options for its future, and the overall legislative process that is guiding its status. The North Carolina legislature has appointed a study committee that is considering future options for the system, chaired by Rep. Tim Moffitt, who represents part of southern Buncombe County.

Panelists will include Esther Manheimer, the Asheville City Council representative to the legislative study committee; State Rep. Chuck McGrady, a member of the study committee; and Dr. Gene Rainey, the chair of the Buncombe County Commission when the Regional Water Authority was established in 1994. The panel will also Steve Aceto, chairman of board of the Metropolitan Sewerage District. A question and answer period will follow the discussion.

Like all League forums, the Feb. 13 forum will be nonpartisan, free, and open to the public. For further information, contact Nelda Holder (nfholder@gmail.com).